Lookman Faces Sanctions After Atalanta Training Strike Over Collapsed Inter Move

Ademola Lookman is set to be disciplined by Atalanta after refusing to train for two weeks in an attempt to push through a transfer to Inter Milan, a deal that has now fallen apart. The Nigerian forward has since returned to the club’s Zingonia base, where he held talks with CEO Antonio Percassi regarding his future, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sport360NG reports.

Inter had reached an agreement with the player on a five-year contract, but Atalanta stood firm throughout negotiations. Percassi reportedly reminded Lookman of an earlier promise that he could leave in 2025, but stressed that a sale to a Serie A rival was out of the question.

Frustrated by the stance, Lookman staged a strike, skipping training without medical justification and scrubbing Atalanta-related posts from his social media accounts. Despite this pressure, the Bergamo side rejected Inter’s €45m offer, leading the Nerazzurri to officially end their pursuit. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that discussions were “completely frozen,” with Inter shifting focus to other targets.

Lookman’s absence did not sit well with Atalanta’s hierarchy. Reports in Italy claim the club will impose financial penalties, including wage deductions for missed training days, and may demand a public apology before he is reintegrated into the squad.

Head coach Ivan Juric, however, is reluctant to lose another attacking asset after the departure of last season’s top scorer, Mateo Retegui. Juric is said to have warned the board that allowing Lookman to leave would strip the side of “90 per cent of their goals,” making his return to the team a likely scenario once disciplinary matters are resolved.

The situation now leaves Atalanta walking a fine line between enforcing discipline and ensuring their key forward remains motivated ahead of a crucial campaign, with the Africa Cup of Nations also looming in December.